Claims will not be dismissed in Hunt lawsuit

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — Claims in a lawsuit from a former Charleston police officer alleging sexual misconduct by former Charleston Police Chief James “Tyke” Hunt will not be dismissed.

Chelsea McCoy filed the lawsuit on March 15, 2024, naming the City of Charleston, the Charleston Police Department, Tyke Hunt and Richie Baseford as defendants.

A judge ruled against the city’s request to dismiss the wrongful discharge, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and punitive damage claims.

McCoy filed a complaint with the City of Charleston in late August 2023 alleging that she was pressured into having sex by then-Sergeant Tyke Hunt during her application process. She also alleges that she failed her polygraph test to be certified into the police force, but Hunt passed her anyway.

According to the lawsuit, McCoy told Hunt she had been worried about passing the polygraph exam due to her past drug use. The lawsuit alleges Hunt told her that he would ensure she passed if she engaged in sexual activity with him.

Her time on the force was short-lived. According to court documents, McCoy and another person got into a fight at a party in St. Albans on Jan. 23, 2019. McCoy said she was acting in self-defense, but in February she was charged with battery and resigned from CPD.

McCoy rejoined the force a year later, and once again was subjected to a polygraph exam. McCoy said she lied on the exam but passed anyway.

During her second stint on the force, McCoy claims that Hunt, who was now the chief of police, showed an interest in her and eventually they had sex in his office.

McCoy eventually resigned a second time.

This all comes after two women, including McCoy, formally filed complaints against former CPD Chief James “Tyke” Hunt alleging sexual misconduct.

The first complaint came from Jennifer Harless and prompted an investigation by the West Virginia State Police. She is not a city employee but alleges that she and Hunt had a consensual sexual relationship and that Hunt launched an FBI investigation into her.

According to city attorney Kevin Baker, the FBI did investigate Jennifer Harless after Hunt’s wife complained that she was being harassed by Harless. However, the FBI said they became involved because they take all such complaints seriously, and that Hunt’s position as police chief did not influence the investigation.

Harless has since filed a lawsuit against Hunt, the police department, and the city of Charleston, alleging constitutional and civil rights violations , according to court documents. She is demanding a trial by jury in the lawsuit, which was filed on June 22 in the Kanawha County Circuit Clerk’s Office.

In July 2023, Charleston City Council member Shannon Snodgrass requested an independent investigation into Hunt, citing Harless’ complaint. Councilwoman Beth Kerns also said in August that an investigation needs to be conducted by those not under the command of Hunt to eliminate conflict of interest.

Charleston City Council voted 21-5 on Aug. 7, 2023, in opposition to opening an outside investigation into alleged misconduct by Police Chief Tyke Hunt.

Hunt said in an apology letter in July 2023 to the Charleston City Council that he “misused city property,” and was suspended without pay for three days in June 2022. Hunt was not specific about what property he misused.

In April 2024 , Hunt was demoted and suspended following an investigation into him and Sgt. Richie Basford, according to the Charleston Police Department. Lt. Tony Hazelett with the department said Basford is back to full duty. According to Charleston Police Chief Scott Dempsey, his suspension ended on May 6, and was placed on medical leave after that.

A board of current and former members of the Charleston Police Department has voted to give Hunt $6,000 per month as a part of his disability pension.

They found that the injury Hunt received was from an off-duty incident. He will have to pay taxes on this since it was an off-duty injury.

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